By Jim Muir

Austin Wills and Derek Oxford combined for 45 points – including 10 three-pointers – as Benton Middle School defeated Centralia 61-49 in semi-final action at the Class L State Tournament at Rend Lake College.

With the victory the Junior Rangers moved to 22-4 on the season and into the Class L state title game on Thursday night when they match up against undefeated Marion in a 7:30 p.m. contest.

After an uncharacteristic off-day shooting in a 42-40 quarterfinal win over Olney on Saturday Benton came out blazing against Centralia.  Oxford got the Junior Rangers off to a quick start with 11 first quarter points that included three three-pointers as Benton built a 20-6 first quarter lead.  One of the three-pointers that Oxford hit came from long range and brought the large Benton crowd to its feet.

“There are certain moments in life that you will just never forget,” said Cook. “I will never forget the reaction of our crowd and from Derek (Oxford) when he hit the three-pointer from about 28-feet.  When things like that take place in big moments nothing is better.  Tonight was our night.”

BMS coach John Cook (center) gives instruction to his team during a timeout in the Junior Rangers 61-49 victory in semi-final action in the Class L state tournament. Benton will meet undefeated Marion in the championship game Thursday night at 7:30 p.m.

In the second frame it was all Wills as the Benton guard nailed four three-pointers scoring 12 of his team’s 16 points to give the Junior Rangers a comfortable 36-24 lead at the halftime intermission.  After jumping out to the 14-point first quarter lead Centralia cut the lead to single digits on only one occasion in the second quarter but Benton quickly answered with a three-pointer by Wills and the Junior Rangers maintained a double-digit lead the remainder of the game.

“The first half might have been the best half of basketball we have played this season,” said Cook.  “We were taking care of the ball, getting into our offensive sets quickly and knocking down shots. The energy and enthusiasm was the biggest difference to me compared to the Olney game.”

Wills finished with 26 points hitting 7-for-11 three-point attempts while Oxford scored 19.  Tyson Houghland and Blane Pankey also had key performances for Benton in the victory.  Houghland had eight points and five rebounds and Pankey had six points and also grabbed five caroms.  Tony Tillman also scored two for Benton in a reserve role.  Also seeing action and contributing to the win for the Junior Rangers was Gehrig Wynn, Oliver Davis, Hamilton Page, Jordan Richey, Scott Mosely, Brett Bonenberger, Parker Williams and Jourdan Garbo.

“When Austin hits shots like that , and has had a few games like that this year, we are a tough team to guard,” said Cook.  “We all know what he is capable of and tonight he showed the entire town of Benton.  On top of that we received 14 points and 10 rebounds from Houghland and Pankey.  What a great team effort.”

Cook said he believes his team will bring the same attitude to the title game against undefeated Marion that they displayed in the victory over a good Centralia team.

“We played loose against Centralia like we have nothing to lose and believe we will have that same mentality in the championship game,” said Cook.  “We’re in the title game and we’re going to come out and play hard and see what happens.”

In the first semi-final game Marion trailed Herrin 26-23 heading into the fourth quarter but the Wildcats roared back in the fourth quarter outscoring the Tigers 19-5 to move to 24-0 on the season.  Herrin will face Centralia in the third place game at 6 p.m. Thursday night followed by the Marion-Benton state championship game at 7:30 p.m.